CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT – CHASING THE SUPER BLOOM

In Carrizo Plain National Monument, the thousands of acres of grasslands along the Temblor Mountains in California, and the mountains themselves, become a focus for the rare sight, the spectacular simultaneous array of wildflowers seen in spring. 

Immediately after a season of heavy rains, people start the chase for one of the most sought-after sights in the world – the SUPER BLOOM.

  The family decided to try and catch this elusive showing before it was too late in the season and luckily for us, though we did miss the initial display, we were able to witness the latter part of nature’s floral show (as seen in the following pictures).

  As we drove into this magical scene, we could not but be captivated by the sheer beauty that unfolded before and beside us.

  The mountains, with their curvy edged valleys and not to be outdone by the bordering grasslands, put on a brief but glorious spectacle.  The panoramic view of the diverse landscape is breathtaking!

The wildflowers, blazing gold under the midday sun, were highlighted by the shimmering silver of the tall grass swaying gracefully on both sides of the road, thus forming an elegant, framed picture.

However, peaceful as the scenes above were, as you will see in the photos below, there were moments of proof that the lure for the perfect internet photo could be strong.

  Thankfully, the Carrizo Monument is a vast area where one can escape to and find a place where the surrounding silence entrances the visitor along with the untouched beauty carpeted before you.

A glimpse of Soda Lake sandwiched between the mountain range and the grasslands.
The reddish-brown hue contrasting with the gold is a stunning sight.

Orange, blue and white florals popped interspersed between the gold, green and silver.

Meanwhile, the bloomed-out stalks, exhausted, still held their heads high, giving us one more glorious sight of a field of deep orange.

  As the day came to an end, we said goodbye to the dazzling sensors. 

Hopefully, there will be another longer visit to this California gem, humble in its fame, varied and magnificent in what it offers us.

To know more about the Carrizo Plain National Monument, you can visit the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau Of Land Management website.

Thank you to all who keep this place functioning and help preserve it for the rest of us to enjoy.

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